Minister for Regional Communications, Senator Bridget McKenzie, and Federal Member for Pearce, Christian Porter, have announced the outcomes in our local community from the Priority Locations round of the Coalition Government’s $220 million Mobile Black Spot Program.

This announcement delivers on the Coalition’s commitment to address the coverage issues identified in Bullsbrook and the Swan Valley.

106 priority locations across Australia will benefit from improved mobile phone coverage. Optus, Telstra and Vodafone will build 102 new base stations under the Priority Location round. In addition, the carriers have commercial plans for new base stations that will further address mobile black spot issues in a number of the identified locations.

Mr Porter said the improved coverage would open new doors for local businesses and the community, enabling them to access the same mobile services as those in major cities.

“The Coalition’s Mobile Black Spot program is already delivering new or improved coverage to six sites across Pearce, which will see local businesses and residents in the area benefit from access to 21st century communications,” he said.

“These two priority locations will receive funding for a Telstra macro base station which will improve mobile coverage in both areas.”

Minister for Regional Communications, Bridget McKenzie said construction of the new mobile phone towers will get underway soon.

“We’ve committed $220 million to improve mobile black spots across our vast country. $60 million of this funding is targeting priority black spot areas with poor or no mobile coverage, like in Bullsbrook and the Swan Valley,” Minister McKenzie said.

“Only the Coalition understands the importance of modern telecommunications for our regional communities, and has implemented a plan to deliver. I’m excited to reach this next milestone of the Mobile Black Spot Program and look forward to seeing the first base stations under this round completed later this year.”

The Coalition Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program is improving mobile coverage across Australia including along major regional transport routes, in small communities and at identified priority locations. More than 456 locations across Australia have already received new or improved coverage through rounds 1 and 2 of the program.